Top 10 PC Strategy Games (2010-2016)

There’s nothing like delving deep into a game’s mechanics to come up with the ultimate plan so that your enemies never know what hit them. Really, it doesn’t matter what your poison is – real-time or turn-based, there’s just something about strategy games that gets the brain working and the adrenaline rushing.

With the disappointing state of Civilization VI at launch (we’re sure Firaxis will eventually fix everything), we figured you might be itching for a strategy gaming fix, and as always we’ve got you covered. Today, we’re bringing you the Top 10 PC Strategy Games from recent years to the present.

Get your maps laid out on the table and your battle plans ready. Here we go.

Note: These games were ranked based on their Gamer Compass score — aggregate ratings from critics and gamers from the best review sites on the planet.

Top 10 PC Strategy Games (2010-2016)

Starting off our list is The Banner Saga 2, a tactical, choice-driven RPG from Versus Evil. This game continues the award-winning adventure with more tear-jerking twists and beautiful hand drawn art. With improved strategic combat, a new race, an all-new game mode, and your choices carried over from the first game, this is a no-brainer for any fan of excellent storytelling.

Next up, we’ve got the best expansion to Triumph Studios’ fantasy turn-based strategy game, Age of Wonders III: Golden Realms. This expansion marks the return of the Halfling race with a new story campaign, new units, spells and items, expanded building mechanics, new exotic map locations, and other new features. You’ll need the base game to play this one.

Moving in to number 8, we’ve got the remake of an 80’s classic – Chaos Reborn. This is a turn-based strategy game where wizards cast powerful spells and summon mystical creatures onto the battlefield as they battle for domination over the realm. With a lot of card game and board game elements incorporated into gameplay, most gamers will find this easy to pick up.

Making its way to number 7 is Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II – Chaos Rising. This sequel to Dawn of War II takes players to a long lost ice planet that has reappeared from the Warp. Featuring new single player missions, a new multiplayer race, new multiplayer units, and new last stand heroes, real-time strategy enthusiasts and long-time fans of the series will surely enjoy this next installment.

Invading number 6 is XCOM: Enemy Unknown. You are in charge of a secret paramilitary organization tasked to save humanity from a terrifying global alien invasion. Featuring thrilling tactical turn-based combat coupled with intense up-close-and-personal action sequences, you won’t ever wonder why it has been hailed as a worthy successor to the critically-acclaimed 90’s classic.

Next up is the expansion that added the polish Civilization V needed to become one of the best strategy games of all time – Brave New World. Providing enhanced depth and replayability, overhauled gameplay mechanics, new civilizations, units and buildings, plus a whole lot more, it’s one title every strategy fan needs to have in their library. You’ll need the base game to play this one.

Hitting number 4 is Europa Universalis IV, a turn-based empire building game from Paradox. Take control of a nation and guide it through the centuries to build a mighty global empire. Experience true exploration, trade, warfare and diplomacy within deeply tactical and strategic turn-based gameplay. It’s time to rise up. Are you ready to create your own history?

Charging in to number 3 is the fourth expansion for Crusader Kings II – The Old Gods. The time for greatness has come as you plunder and pillage the Viking way in this medieval grand strategy outing. Play as a Pagan chieftain leading a tribe who always hungers for war, or as a Zoroastrian lord seeking to restore your ancient religion to prominence. You’ll need the base game to play this one.

Coming close to the top is Total War: Shogun 2, a hybrid of real-time and turn-based strategy set in the darkest age of Japan. Build your kingdom in the turn-based campaign map and then lead your army into massive battles on land and at sea in real-time. Experience the Art of War in action as you employ different tactics. Unite the nation under your rule and become the new shogun.

And now, here it is, the king of strategy games – StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the first title in Blizzard’s three-part follow-up to their award winning real-time strategy offering – StarCraft. Follow Jim Raynor and his rag-tag team of insurgents as they fight against the tyranny of the Terran Dominion. Experience legendary balanced multiplayer skirmishes, the type you can only get from the best.

And that’s it for the Top 10 PC Strategy Games from recent years to the present. If you’re a strategy game fanatic, you’ll surely know that high quality strategy games don’t come too often nowadays, so make sure to get your hands on these gems. And as always, you’ll find the best deals for these games only here at AllKeyShop.com.

What do you think of this list? Think a different game should be on top? Got a different list? Hit us up in the comments.